Body of Missing Grand Canyon Hiker Found After Flash Floods
The National Park Service confirmed on Sunday the recovery of a woman who went missing during a devastating flash flood in the Grand Canyon. Chenoa Nickerson, 33, was found dead by a commercial river trip on the Colorado River.
The hiker’s body was recovered by helicopter and subsequently transported to the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office. The Park Service, together with the medical examiner’s office, are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.
Flash Flood Turns Hiking Trip Tragic
While hiking in the Havasu Canyon on Thursday, Nickerson became caught in the middle of a catastrophic flash flood. This natural disaster took not only tourists but local residents of the Havasupai Indian Reservation by surprise. Arizona’s Governor mobilized the state’s National Guard along with a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter to aid the area on Friday, following a request from the Havasupai Tribal Council. The severity of the flood led to the evacuation of a total of 104 people, encompassing tourists as well as Havasupai locals from the area.
In response to the extensive damage from the flood, the Havasupai Council has indefinitely closed the trails leading to their namesake campsite and waterfalls.
The Final Moments Before Tragedy
Nickerson was last seen at about 1:30 p.m. on Thursday near the Colorado River Confluence, where the Havasu Creek meets the larger river. As per the Park Service, she was seen getting pulled into the fast-moving waters of the creek without a life jacket. Nickerson’s body was eventually discovered 19 miles from the confluence.
“We regret to inform you that our dear Chenoa has been found, no longer with us,” the grieving family of the hiker shared in a statement. “Our hearts are weighed down with profound sorrow.”
Call for Continued Awareness and Safety
These unfortunate events serve as a stark reminder of the unpredictable and often dangerous conditions that nature can present, particularly in the form of flash floods. Tourists and local residents alike are encouraged to stay abreast of local weather conditions and heed all warnings and guidelines provided by local authorities and park services. A flash flood can strike with little warning, swiftly turning serene landscapes into hazardous terrains, as exemplified by the tragic loss of Chenoa Nickerson.
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
